• London Olympics 2012

Pearce 'under no pressure to pick Beckham'

ESPN staff
June 20, 2012
Stuart Pearce has watched David Beckham in action for LA Galaxy © PA Photos
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The chief executive of the British Olympic Association has insisted Stuart Pearce does not have to select David Beckham for Team GB.

Andy Hunt said Pearce would "make the best call he can, on merit" when he names his squad, which is expected to be announced at the end of next week.

And although the coach has been to Los Angeles to watch Beckham in action for LA Galaxy, there is no suggestion that automatically indicates he will pick the 37-year-old midfielder as one of his three permitted over-age players.

Hunt told the Press Association: "Stuart Pearce will make a decision on the best squad available given where he is in respect of now, having assessed the players that are not involved in the Euros and the current state of injuries.

"He will then make the best call he can, on merit. I am not putting any pressure on him whatsoever to pick anyone.

"We have been very clear from the outset - it's absolutely Stuart's choice and he is totally free to make the selection of the team he believes will put in the best performance. It's as simple as that."

The FA has agreed that any player involved for England in the European Championship will not be selected for the Olympics - where squads, with the exception of the permitted over-age players, are restricted to players under 23 years old.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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